FROM EIR DAILY ALERT

Trump Gives Support to Two-State Solution for Palestine and Israel

Sept. 27, 2018 (EIRNS)—At a meeting and press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday before their bilateral meeting, President Donald Trump endorsed the two-state solution for the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. He also said, if “appropriate,” he would help mediate between Israel and Russia over the Sept. 17 shooting down of a Russian aircraft over Syria.

On the question of a two-state solution, Trump said: “That’s what I think works best. That’s my feeling. Now, you may have a different feeling. I don’t think so. But I think two-state solution works best.”

Later in the afternoon, Trump told his own news conference that reaching a two-state solution is “more difficult since it’s a real estate deal.” He reiterated his position that it is up to the two to decide, what solution they want. “Bottom line: If the Israelis and Palestinians want one-state, that’s OK with me. If they want two states, that’s OK with me. I’m happy if they’re happy.”

In his remarks with Netanyahu yesterday he disclosed:

“It is a dream of mine to get that done prior to the end of my first term. I don’t want to do it in my second term. We’ll do other things in my second term. I think a lot of progress has been made. I think that Israel wants to do something and I think that the Palestinians actually want to do something.”

Asked what Israel might have to give up in return for the U.S. Embassy’s move to Jerusalem, Trump replied:

“I took probably the biggest chip off the table and so obviously we have to make a fair deal, we have to do something. Deals have to be good for both parties.... Israel got the first chip and it’s a big one.”

Speaking at the same press conference yesterday, Trump indicated his readiness to hold a discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the tension between Israel and Russia: “I will talk if it’s appropriate, when it’s appropriate. Yes, I will do that.”

Israeli media observed that Trump, unlike last year, discussed the Middle East peace process, which they say could indicate that his long-awaited peace plan might be forthcoming soon.

Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad Maliki said Trump’s broad commitment to a two-state solution was not enough.

“He has to spell it clearly ... the two states (based on 1967 borders), that East Jerusalem is an occupied territory. These [issues] are very important for us in order us to really move forward,”

Maliki was quoted as saying by Reuters in New York.

Asked if he would engage with the United States when it releases its peace plan, Maliki said:

“Not at all. ... As long as he is sticking to his decisions about Jerusalem, about [Israeli] settlements, and about moving the embassy, there is no way.”

The Palestinians are obviously reacting to the closing of their office in Washington and the reduction of aid.